Galatians 5 19

Galatians 5:19 kjv

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:19 nkjv

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,

Galatians 5:19 niv

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;

Galatians 5:19 esv

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,

Galatians 5:19 nlt

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,

Galatians 5 verses

Galatians 5 19 Meaning

The clear and obvious meaning of Galatians 5:19 is that certain behaviors, identified as "works of the flesh," are openly manifested and are in direct opposition to the Spirit's fruit. These actions demonstrate a spiritual unfruitfulness and a life lived according to sinful desires rather than God's will.

Galatians 5 19 Context

Galatians 5:19 appears within a crucial section of Paul's letter where he is contrasting the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit." The preceding verse, 5:18, states that if believers are led by the Spirit, they are not under the law. This establishes the foundational principle of liberation in Christ. Chapter 5 of Galatians directly addresses the theological dispute between those who advocated for observance of the Mosaic Law for salvation (Judaizers) and Paul's teaching of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. The Apostle Paul is strongly refuting the idea that adhering to legalistic practices is necessary for a Spirit-filled life or for maintaining a relationship with God. He presents these "works of the flesh" as clear evidence of a life still dominated by sin, and by extension, a life that has not truly embraced the freedom and transformation found in Christ. The historical context involves early Christians, many of whom were Gentile converts, being pressured by some Jewish Christians to adopt Jewish customs and laws, including circumcision. Paul is asserting that true Christianity is characterized not by external rituals, but by internal transformation through the Holy Spirit, leading to godly living.

Galatians 5 19 Word Analysis

• Now (νῦν, nun): Indicates present time; it signifies that these are readily apparent or manifest in the present experience of those living under the flesh's dominion.
• the works (τὰ ἔργα, ta erga): "Erga" means deeds, actions, or things done. Here, it refers to the characteristic actions or the sum total of activities produced by the flesh. It’s the outward manifestation of inner corrupted nature.
• of the flesh (τῆς σαρκός, tes sarkos): "Sarkos" refers to the flesh in its physical and moral sense, representing the unredeemed human nature, susceptible to sin and opposition to God. It’s the carnal, earthly nature which is the seat of selfish desires and inclinations apart from divine influence.
• are evident (φανερά, phanera): This is an adjective meaning "visible," "manifest," "obvious," or "clear." It stresses that these works are not hidden but are observable realities in the lives of those who walk according to their unregenerate nature. There is no concealment; they stand out.
• such as (οἷα, hoia): This word introduces a list of examples, signifying "what sort of," or "like." It indicates that the subsequent list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Other similar sins can be implied.

Word-group Analysis

• The works of the flesh: This entire phrase encapsulates the outcome of the carnal nature being in control. It's the tangible results of yielding to one's lower, sin-inclined nature. This concept is strongly echoed throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament's description of sin to the New Testament's cataloging of its effects. It implies a deliberate or habitual participation in sinful activities that originate from an unrenewed inner self. This stands in direct contrast to the "fruit of the Spirit," which is the positive manifestation of divine nature in believers. The pairing highlights the distinct, opposing spiritual forces at play.

Galatians 5 19 Bonus Section

The enumeration of these works serves a polemical purpose, directly opposing the notion promoted by the Judaizers that adherence to specific laws or practices was a mark of true righteousness or necessary for spiritual maturity. Paul counters that outward adherence to ritual without inner transformation produces only more of the same "works of the flesh." Furthermore, the categorization implies that such behavior demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the Gospel, which liberates believers from sin's dominion. The implication is that those who practice these things are not demonstrating true freedom in Christ, but rather remain slaves to their fleshly appetites, contrary to the Spirit-led life described later in the chapter.

Galatians 5 19 Commentary

The verse clearly articulates that the outcomes of a life lived according to sinful human nature—the flesh—are undeniably observable. Paul presents this not as an indictment, but as a diagnostic tool, revealing the state of one's spiritual life. These "works" are not mere isolated incidents but characteristic actions that betray a dominant unspiritual inclination. They are the direct, often predictable, consequences of the flesh’s desires when unchecked by the Holy Spirit. The extensive list in the following verses (19b-21a) demonstrates the broad spectrum of sin, encompassing acts of impurity, idolatry, strife, and more. This list serves as a stark reminder that adherence to the flesh is incompatible with the life God intends, which is characterized by the "fruit of the Spirit." The presence of these works indicates a spiritual condition needing repentance and reliance on the Spirit's transforming power, rather than dependence on law-keeping or self-righteousness.